Curieuse Island

Curieuse Island is a very close neighbour of Praslin Island and is actually the fifth largest island in Seychelles at around 2.9km². Previously known as Île Rouge due to its reddish laterite soil, this name was later changed when the French claimed possession of the island.

From 1829, the island was first used as a leper colony and the old ruins of what was the doctor’s house remains today. This has been converted into a museum for visitors.

Curieuse is a nature reserve and only inhabited by the workers who take care of the island and the animals. Giant tortoises can be seen around the island and it is the only other island apart from Praslin where the Coco De Mer palm grows.

Although there is no accommodation on Curieuse, excursions can be arranged.